Federal Way Public Schools offers multiple Advanced Programs for scholars to pursue. 

Advanced Placement courses are rigorous, college-level classes. Scholars can earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities by taking and passing AP exams, which are administered by the College Board. A variety of AP classes are available in each school; please check the course catalog at each high school for specifics.

Federal Way High School offers this international, pre-university curriculum and examination system. The Cambridge Pathway emphasizes the value of a broad and balanced study for  scholars. It aims to encourage the skills of independent research and investigation, the use of initiative and creativity, and the application of knowledge and skills.

For additional information visit http://www.cambridgeinternational.org/ 

The Cambridge Checkpoint Assessment is offered after delivery of  a rigorous and relevant curriculum, supporting scholars in developing skills for success. Upon completion they can continue the Cambridge Pathway at Federal Way High School and earn an Advanced International Certificate of Education.

This international, academically rigorous program is designed to meet or exceed the entrance requirements of the most selective colleges and universities throughout the world. Many colleges and universities offer advanced standing or course credits to scholars with strong IB exam results. The IB program involves in-depth study in a broad range of subjects representing six fields of knowledge, followed by a series of oral and written examinations. In Federal Way, the IB Diploma Program is only available at Thomas Jefferson High School. Scholars may pursue the full IB Diploma or take individual IB classes to earn IB Certificates.

For further information about the IB and its programs, visit http://www.ibo.org/

Thomas Jefferson, Totem Middle School and Kilo Middle School are authorized providers of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). These schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education— something we believe is important for all our scholars.

The IB Middle Years Programme, for scholars aged 11 to 16, provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages scholars to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, and become critical and reflective thinkers.

The program consists of eight subject groups integrated through global contexts that provide a framework for learning within and across the subjects. Scholars are required to study their mother tongue, a second language, humanities, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical education and design technology. In the final year of the program scholars also engage in a personal project, which allows them to demonstrate the understandings and skills they have developed.

For further information about the IB and its programs, visit http://www.ibo.org.

Washington State’s Running Start program allows public secondary school scholars the opportunity to attend community college and earn high school and college/university credits for their work. Eleventh and 12th grade scholars participate in Running Start at no cost to them except for books, transportation, and certain fees, such as campus parking. FWPS scholars routinely attend Highline and Green River Community College as part of Running Start.

The Internet Academy has offered online learning opportunities to scholars in Washington since 1999. Teachers certified in Washington State provide instruction to scholars in grades K-12. The program allows for innovative uses of technology, customized learning environments and access to skilled instructors. 

Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) serves scholars from five public school districts including Federal Way. Tenth, 11th and 12th grade scholars spend half of each day at the PSSC campus in their chosen program and the other half of the day at their home high school. Transportation is provided between the two schools. Nineteen career and technical education programs are available including: Auto Body, Automotive, Aviation Careers, Computer Network Systems, Construction Technology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Dental Assisting, DigiPen Video Game Animation/Programming, Engineering Design Technology, Electronics Engineering, Fashion Design and Marketing, Fire Services, Leadership in Business and Management, Marine Technology, Medical Careers, Multimedia and Information Technology, Translation/Interpretation, and Veterinary Careers. College credit can be earned in many PSSC programs.